Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I-III

Water Otter Job Board; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Wilson is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator to perform technical duties in operating the water reclamation facility and off-site pump stations. The successful candidate will support the efficient operation of the treatment facilities and manage routine lab analyses, data, and equipment monitoring.

Opportunities exist across Operator I-III with varying minimum to midpoint salary ranges based on qualifications, driving and state licenses, and compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Wastewater/water treatment concept basic principles.

Responsibilities

• Monitor wastewater plant, interpret lab data and adjust operations.
• Receive and handle chemical shipments and supplies.
• Perform chemical analysis of water samples.
• Operate computer systems to monitor pump stations, plant ops and alarms.
• Maintain daily records and shift logs.
• Review meter and instrument readings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Lab data interpretation

Equipment operation

Computer monitoring

Records maintenance

Regulations knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Laboratory instruments

Job description

Job Summary/Scope

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Wilson is a city of around 50,000 people located in the heart of eastern North Carolina. We are about an hour from the Research Triangle and the buzz of the Raleigh area, and you can also quickly reach the North Carolina beaches.

The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments. Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. Our downtown ballpark proudly serves as the home of the Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliate. The team celebrated its inaugural Opening Night on April 14, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for our community and downtown district.

Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation.

The hiring range for this position is $45,116.68 (minimum salary) to $62,132.53 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I.

The hiring range for this position is $49,800.37 (minimum salary) to $68,582.68 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II.

The hiring range for this position is $54,970.28 (minimum salary) to $75,702.44 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III.

The purpose of this position is to perform technical duties in the operation of the water reclamation facility and off-site pump stations. Successful performance ensures the effective and efficient operation of wastewater treatment facilities.

The work consists of related technical duties in the operation of water reclamation facilities. Frequently changing water conditions and inclement weather contribute to the complexity of the position.

Must be available to work days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays on a shift schedule that could rotate, as needed.

An incumbent in this position may be designated as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I-III.

Job Responsibilities

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I-II_
Major Duties

• Monitors wastewater treatment plant and identifies needed changes and potential problems; interprets lab data; makes necessary adjustments.
• Receives shipments of chemicals and other supplies from vendor.
• Performs chemical analysis of water samples.
• Operates a computer to monitor pump stations, plant operations, and alarms.
• Maintains daily records and shift logs of plant operations.
• Reviews readings from meters, computers, and instruments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include federal, state and local regulations, plant standard operating procedures, and supervisory instructions. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• None

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

Major Duties

• Monitors wastewater treatment plant and identifies needed changes and potential problems; interprets lab data; makes necessary adjustments; views, prioritizes, plans, and schedules work orders.
• Assists in training, assigning, directing, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating personnel.
• Receives shipments of chemicals and other supplies from vendor.
• Performs chemical analysis of water samples.
• Operates a computer to monitor pump stations, plant operations, and alarms.
• Maintains daily records and shift logs of plant operations.
• Reviews readings from meters, computers, and instruments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include federal, state and local regulations, plant standard operating procedures, and supervisory instructions. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• The position has direct supervision over Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (2).

Minimum Qualifications

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I-II_
Education/Experience Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for water or wastewater treatment or distribution as appropriate.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to wastewater treatment and laboratory analysis.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and prioritizing work.
• Skill in performing mathematical computations.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III_

Education/Experience Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years experience or service.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for water or wastewater treatment or distribution as appropriate.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to wastewater treatment and laboratory analysis.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and prioritizing work.
• Skill in performing mathematical computations.
• Skill in the supervision of personnel.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• The work is typically performed in an office and at wastewater treatment plant facilities, while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping.
• The employee is exposed to noise, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious disease and irritating chemicals.
• The work may be performed outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather and requires the use of protective devices.
• The employee occasionally lifts light objects, climbs ladders, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color.